Warp stop mechanism for looms



u 1951 4 A. R. MEADORS, JR., ETAL 2,556,332

WARP STOP MECHANISM FOR Locus Filed Feb. 17, 1950 "g INVENTORS E17 zazd JIII'WI'IL. 66 $aI1LL.MffiIzazL ATTORNEY Patented June 12, 1951 "UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Ansel R. Meadors, J r., Richard J. Irwin, and Sam L. Huffman, Greenville, S. 0.

Application February 17, 1950, Serial No. 144,702

pass the warp threads through openings in the drop wires, and when too much slack occurs in a warp thread, or the warp thread breaks, the drop wire drops and coacts with the detector bar device for stopping the loom. The drop wires have openings formed therein so that they are mounted upon the detector bar holder. The detector bar device may be of the mechanical type wherein the detector bar reciprocates in the detector bar holder, the holder and bar having teeth at their top edges. When the drop wire drops the normal stroke of the detector bar is prevented and the loom is stopped. There are also electrically operated stop mechanisms for looms, wherein the holder receives therein a stationary detector bar which is insulated from it. When the drop wire drops it makes electrical connection between the holder and the detector bar, closing a circuit, which operates electrical means which stops the loom.

In the operation of mechanical or electrical detector bar devices, the drop wires are subjected to constant vertical movement or vibration, due to the rise and fall of the shed, and to the vibration of the loom. The lower end walls of the openings which receive the detector bar holder impinged against the lower edge of the detector bar holder, frequently forming sharp knurls or edges which project laterally beyond the faces of the drop wires. These knurls or edges engage the warp thread, partially cutting or nicking the same. In weaving fine smooth fabricfrom nylon or the like, this nicking of the warp threads produces a fuzz upon the woven fabric which is disadvantageous and ordinarily causes the fabric to be sold as seconds.

In accordance with our invention, we-attach a resilient bumper or bead to the lower edge of'the detector bar holder, and the bottom walls of the openings in the drop wires, strike against this resilient bumper or bead, and the formation of the sharp knurls or edges upon the drop wires is eliminated, and the difficulty referred to is overcome. The resilient bumper or bead is used in connection with the detector bar holder of the mechanical and electrical detector bar devices.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical 7 Claims. (-01. 139353) detector bar device embodying my invention, the drop wire being held in the raised position,

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the same, the drop wire being in the lowered position,

Figure 3 is a transverse vertical section through the detector bar device, the drop wire being held in'the raised position,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an electrical detector bar device embodying my invention, the drop wire being held in the raised position,

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical section through the. electrical detector bar device, showing the drop wire raised,

Figure 6 is a similar view showing the drop wire in the lowered position,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further modified form of electrical detector bar device, the drop wire being raised,

Figure 8 is a transverse vertical section through the device of Figure 7, showing the drop wire raised, and,

Figure 9 is a similar view showing the drop wire lowered.

In connection with the first form of the invntion, Figures 1-3 inclusive, the numeral l0 designates a support, one being used at each side of the loom and which may be mounted upon the loom sides. These supports serve to hold the detector bar device in place. The support l0, only oneof which is shown, is provided with a vertical recess or groove II, for receiving the detector bar holder l2. The detector bar holder includes spaced metal sides I 3, which are secured to a metal spacer M by rivets or the like. The detector bar holder is mounted within the recesses .II and secured to each support In by a bolt 15, which passes through a slot l6 formed in the extension ll of the detector bar l8. The extension 11 of the detector bar may be utilized as means forassociating the detector bar with mechanism for reciprocating the same transversely of the loom, but since the details of such mechanism form no part of the present invention they are not shown.

The sides l3 of the detector bar holder are provided at their top edges with teeth l9, longitudinally spaced, as is customary and are of rectangular form. The detector bar [8 is provided at its top with rectangular teeth 20, spaced as shown, and extending above the teeth l9.

The metal drop wires 2|, of which only one is shown in the present illustration, has an opening 22 through which the warp thread 23 passes.

The drop wire is provided in its upper portion 3 with an elongated opening or slot 24, to receive the detector bar holder l2, and permit of the free dropping of the drop wires. The detector bar holder serves as a guide for the drop wires.

The numeral 25 designates a resilient bumper or bead, having an upper flat face which is secured to the bottom of the detector bar holder l2. This resilient bumper or bead extends for substantially the entire length of the detector bar holder and for the entire length of the group of drop wires. The lower edge of the bumper or bead 25 is preferably transversely rounded. The bumper or bead 25 is formed of rubber, preferably artificial rubber, and this bumper or bead is secured to the bottom edge of the detector bar holder by vulcanizing the same to the holder, although the bumper or bead may be secured to the holder by cement, or other means. We also contemplate forming the resilient bumper or bead of plastic material having the desired degree of resiliency. This bumperlor bead may have about the same degree of .coinpressibility as the tread ofthe ordinaryautomobile tire. The sides of the bumper or beanie term natefiush with theouter faces of the sides l3, so that the bumper or Joead w ll :not int rfere with the free droppin o t Q EQDW HLBS. ,It-is preferred that the all-over ver-- tical width of the detector bar holder with :the bumper or bead applied .thereto, be the same as the all over vertical width .of the standard detector bar holder without the bumper or bead, so that it will Joe unnecessary .tochange the length of the slot :24 in the conventional drop wires.

While the loom is operating, the warp thread retains thedrop wire 2! raised, inabout the position shown in Figure 1. Should the drop wire be released by to much slack in thewarp thread, or by the warp thread being broken, the drop wire will drop and engage with the teeth of the detector Joar holder and the detector bar, and the norn'ial stroke of the detector bar will bearrested, and this effects a stoppage of the loom through .tbecOni/entional mechanism, which is not shown since it forms no part of the present invention. Due tothe operation of the loom,caused ibyjthe action pf the war threads and vibrations, the drop wires are frequently thrown upwardly be.- ond the nolfmnlsupported position, and when this occurs the lower end wall 125 of the opening 24 will impinge against the resilient bumper or beaclg25, and the bumper or bead will prevent the formation of the sharp ,knurls ,or edges, which are caused .by such end wall impinging against the lower edge of the metal detector bar holder, as ,is customary the drop wire being formed of metal.

We-contempiate embodying the invention in an electrical detector bar .device, shown in Figures 5and 6. In thesefigures, the numeral ,2! designates-a metal-detector bar holder, and this =deteeter-bar holder extends transversely of the loom and may l e-clamped within the supports in. The detector .barholder 2?! is provided at its ,top edge withalongitudinal recessor groove 23, for receiving a stationary metal detector bar 29, projecting above the same. This stationary protector barZQ iselectrically insulatedfrom the protector bar holder 21 by means of insulation 30. The protector bar 29 extendsthroughoutsubstantially the entire length of the protector bar holder 2-! and throughout the entire length'of thegroup or .loankof drop wires.

The numeral 3| designates a resilient bumper or ,bead, identical with the bead25, and formed of artificial rubber and secured .to the bottom edge of the detector bar holder 21 by being vulcanized thereto or by means of cement or other means. The bumper or bead terminates flush with the side faces of the detector bar holder 21 so that it will not interfere with the dropping of the drop wires.

The detector bar holder 21 is provided with a binding post 32, for connection with a wire 33, and the detector bar 29 has a binding post 34 for connection with the wire 35. These wires lead to the electrically operated means which arrest the operation of the loom when the circuit is closed. Since this electrically operated means forms no part of the present invention, it is not Shown.

The-numeral 36 designates drop wires, one of which is shown or the purpose of illustration. The drop wire is formed of metal and has an opening 31 for the passage of the warp thread. In its upper portion, the drop wire has an elonated opening or slot .3 havin upnerimeli-necl curved wall 49, andalower curved wa l 4-1- When the loom is operating, the warp thread .38 holdath drop wire 6 in th ra sed nesit p a find eat d Fi ure .4- Whenundu s ac eneurs an the wa p thr a tor the wa p th ead breaks, the p "i -ire drops and the incl ned walls" seontaets .v.v .tn the detector bar :29, The ieli ediwal .l .t f ;Q- 'Qp wir latera ly and auses t e sam to e incline s th t .i wil con. .et with h "upp r p rtion of the detector a holde :a th side thereo r m t rom the inclined wa fi ure .6. Wh n thi oc urs a ei ti e nsed nrl enn eti th wires :33 and d5 udthasmp ineansris setn ntoa tion for steping :the :leorn. D r n the operat on o the loom whe the dr p 'yrires .35 a e ,supnortedin the raised posit on they ar frequ ntly thrown upward bey nd the suppo ted positio and ;.th.e l we wa l! w lst ilie ainstthezresi ient bumpe or bend th formati n .ef the sharp linen r ed es pr vented.

.1l i i es am .9, We have sh wn-in me fied form of electrical detector bar device -ior torm n the m .ii r e emb d es ,a v(leteetorzba hold r 427, formed .ets'neet metal, and in lud n 're rie 42, havin its top and bottom ed e :ben t term loops .or hollow flanges .ine throu h ut the ntire length of the c1999 .9 fla ges A3 are Vertically spaced W he ,adjacentside of the detector bar holder ,is .open. ,a sheet metal .detector barAA is mounted within-the detector bar holder 42 and itsedges are held withinithe loopsor flanges .43. Ibedeteetor bar A4 is electrically insulated from the deteetor lbar holder by insulation $5. The outer QB Qfthe .detector bar :46 is.disposed in a plane inwardlyof .the planeiof :the .outer faces-of theloops oriianges $3.3. The detector bar 44 ex..- tends throughout the entire length of zthedetectorzbarand .the length of the group or :bankof drop wires. The ,side A2 is provided with a laterallyextendingrib aid-which may be stamped therefzrmnandthis rib is V-.shaped in cross...sec tion and extends throughout the entire lengtnof thegroupnr .b ank-of vdrop wires.

Themumeralfifi designates a resilient bumper e bead, identical wi h he bumper or head :15, and iorrned of artificial rubber, and this Lbumper or bead :is secured ;to ;the lower edge of .the .de.- t et ba holde by b ing ulcaniz d-totm same reltheus :it may be ecured thereto by eementz r a the mea s.

The detector bar holder 42, extends :transverselw -,e th 109m a d :may .;:be held in these supports ID. A binding post 41 is carried by the holder 42 and a binding post 48 is secured to the detector bar 44, and these binding posts are connected with wires 49 and 50 which lead to the electrically operated means which stops the loom. As this means forms no part of the present invention, it is not shown. lhe bumper or bead 45' extends throughout the entire length of the detector bar holder 42'.

The numeral 5| designates metal drop wires, one being shown for the purpose of illustration. The drop wire 5! has an opening 52 to receive the warp thread 53. The drop wire is provided in its upper portion with an elongated slot 54, having inwardly facing vertically inclined shoulders 55, converging upwardly. The space between the shoulders 55 is sufiiciently large for receiving the upper portion of the detector bar holder above the flange 43.

When the loom is operating, the warp thread 53 holds the drop wire 5| raised, Figures '7 and 8. When undue slack occurs in the warp thread or the warp thread breaks, drop wire drops, and one shoulder 55 contacts with the flange E3, shifting the drop wire laterally with respect to the detector bar holder 42, so that the other shoulder 55 contacts with the stationary detector bar 44, Figure 9. The detector bar holder and detector bar are therefore electrically connected and a circuit is closed which operates the electrical means which stops the loom. When the loom is operating, and the drop wire 5| is supported by the warp thread, it is frequently thrown upwardly beyond the supported position by the action of the warp thread or the Vibration of the loom, and when this occurs the lower end wall 54 of the opening 54 will impinge against the resilient bumper or bead 46', and the formation of the sharp knurls Or flanges upon the drop wire is prevented.

Any suitable number of detector bar devices may be installed upon a loom, depending upon the number of groups or banks of drop wires desired.

It is to be understood that the forms of our invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of our invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a metallic detector bar holder, a resilient bumper secured to the lower edge of the holder, the opposite side faces of the holder being uncovered, a metal detector bar mounted within the holder and having a part extending above the holder, and a metal drop wire having an elongated opening to receive the holder and an opening to receive the warp thread, the drop wire engaging parts of the holder and detector bar when the drop wire drops.

2. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a detector bar holder provided at its top with spaced teeth, a resilient bumper secured to the lower edge of the holder, a detector bar slideably mounted within the holder and provided with teeth, and a drop wire having an elongated opening to receive the holder and an opening to receive the warp thread.

3. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a metal holder provided at its top with a recess, a resilient bumper secured to the lower edge of the holder, a detector bar mounted within the recess and electrically insulated from the holder and projecting above the holder, and a drop wire having an elongated opening to receive the holder and having an opening to receive the warp thread.

4. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a metal holder having a main recess and an opening at one side, a resilient bumper secured to the lower edge of the holder, a metal detector bar mounted within the recess and electrically insulated from the holder, and a metal drop wire having an elongated opening to receive the holder and provided with inwardly facing inclined shoulders and having an opening to receive the warp thread, and a flange carried by the side of the holder to engage with one shoulder to shift the drop wire laterally so that the other shoulder will engage the detector bar when the drop wire drops.

5. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a substantially fiat metal holder having oppositely arranged faces, a resilient bumper secured to the lower edge of the holder and terminating substantially at the oppositely arranged faces, and a metallic detector bar carried by the holder.

6. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a substantially rigid detector bar holder having opposed side faces, a resilient bumper secured to the lower longitudinal edge of the holder and having sides arranged substantially at the side faces of the holder, and a detector bar carried by the holder.

7. In a warp stop mechanism for looms, a metal detector bar holder having opposed side faces, a resilient bumper secured to the lower longitudinal edge of the holder and having sides arranged substantially at the side faces of the holder, and a detector bar carried by the holder.

' ANSEL R. MEADORS, JR.

RICHARD J. IRWIN. SAM L. HUFFMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,045,364 Morin June 23, 1936 2,233,552 Penland Mar. 4, 1941 

